Earth Hour School: Wooden fish a reminder of water conservation

The Stream of Dreams project aims to remind students the importance of protecting the water.

Grade 6 student Catherine Penney, 12, says the Stream of Dreams program teaches students to protect the water and encourages them not to pour toxic material downs drains.

By:Leslie FerencStaff Reporter, Published on Wed Mar 23 2011

Over the next few days leading up to Earth Hour on March 26 students at St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School in Oakville will share their environmental success stories. Here students talk about water conservation.

Last year, students at St. Andrew joined forces with the Halton Conservation Authority to raise awareness of the importance of water. Students designed and painted wooden fish, said Principal Tony Ceelen. Their creations are on display at the school and on schoolyard fences.

The fish are a reminder to protect lakes, streams and all water sources.

“Once we became an eco school, we became open to so many environmental programs,” Ceelen said of the innovative project. “Our eyes and ears are open to many things.”

Halton Region doesn’t collect household hazardous waste at the curb. It also can’t be put in the garbage or poured down the drain because of the damage it could cause to the environment if disposed of improperly. The toxic materials can be dropped off at the Halton Waste Management site. Some retailers also recycle materials.

Catherine Penny, 12, Grade 6:

“The Stream of Dreams is a program that encourages students not to pour toxic things down the sewer such as gas, diesel, bleach and paint. These should be disposed of properly. As part of the Stream of Dreams, we painted wooden fish and at the same time learned about the proper recycling of toxic waste.

“It makes me feel good that I’m helping the environment and making the world a better place for the next generations. My parents are also involved in caring for the environment. It’s important we all do our part.”

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